My summer in Peru was an amazing one, not only because of the archaeological dig and the independent research I was able to conduct, but also because of the amazing culture in which I found myself embedded. Studying abroad in Peru is truly a unique experience, and was filled with many wonderful activites and new friends. I met amazing archaeologists and townspeople and got to see the best of Peru: its people and its landscape. My study abroad experience has bolstered my application to graduate school and given me many ideas as I continue down my path to further my education. The skills that I learned as an archaeologist and as a travel abroad student have changed my life by giving me future opportunities and by enhancing my world perspective. I feel certain that I have come away from this experience as more well-rounded and capable person.
Emma is an undergraduate senior at UNCG majoring in Anthropology, Human Development & Family Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies. This 2011 field season at Cerro Mejía, Emma participated in her first archaeological field school and was funded by the Archaeological Institute of America's Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship for first-time field students and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad students. In addition to her work in the field, Emma conducted research with Dr. Nash for her Senior Honors Project on the taphonomy of animal bone at Cerro Mejía. Her research was largely experimental and she is currently conducting the preliminary analysis of the collected data. This undergraduate research was funded by UNCG's Office of Undergraduate Research for the Summer and Fall 2011 semesters. Emma's interests include ethnozooarchaeology and modern Peruvian gender roles. To learn more about Emma's research, check out her Senior Honors Project. Information about how Emma navigated the study abroad experience in Peru is available at Studying Abroad: A Peruvian Experience!